Fanfiction is playing up as usual. I had to upload this twice to get it to work so if you received more than one email, please ignore the second one as there is only one chapter today.

CPOV

"Hey Uncle Christian, can we have a job" my youngest nephews asked me as I threw a ball for Milo. Why I agreed to babysitting the younger members of my family, I don't know. I'm the boss for god's sake but their Mums are working and I sent their Dads on a last-minute job. Maybe I should get my timing straight next time. My parents said Lucy is fine but having the four boys together was too much, I'm beginning to realise what they meant.

I don't even have to babysit my own kids but here I am with Jac, Daniel, Giorgio and CJ. All under fifteen and all eager for work. Lucy I can leave to her own devices here but these boys can get in trouble by breathing.

"Sorry boys, you're a bit young for the types of job I do. I'm sure your Dads will have something for you to do at home."

"Like gardening, washing windows. I want some action" Jac complained.

"Yes, and I like to keep my head. Your mothers and aunt will kill me if I give you a real job to do."

"I have a job they can do Dad" Lucy shouted from the back door.

"What's that?"

"Four boys, four dogs. They can take them for a walk otherwise I will never finish my homework. Giz is trying to eat it."

"You want the job boys. The perils of taking a Neapolitan Mastiff for a walk."

"Cool yeah" CJ said, excitedly.

"If you get pulled over, I don't want any complaints. You wanted action and taking them for a walk on a leash will certainly give you that."

I was looking at four nodding heads that are in for some fun. My dogs don't do leashes, especially around this block. If they think that those dogs will do as they ask, yeah right. It should keep them busy for a while, hopefully until it's time for us to go and pick Frankie, Isabella, Beatrice and Antonio up from the airport this afternoon.

Ana is at the bakery putting the last few touches to my cake. I had better not be getting a bald-headed one. I checked, although greying which my wife loves, my hair is where it's supposed to be.

As the boys left, all with their guards in tow, I finally enjoyed the peace. In two days I will be fifty and Theo will be twenty one. Shit I remember my twenty ninth when Theo was born, the excitement of being a new parent. That excitement didn't wane as each child came along, although the twins early birth did bring panic as well. Time has gone too quickly.

I'm going to have a couple of days to enjoy my birthday, celebrate my first-born son's birthday and give my brain a rest to all the shit that surrounds us. Ana said delegate so I am. Poor Jason is back in Dalton, chatting up the woman there for more information. Luke has taken a trip to Portland to meet our guy down there. He's checking into the theory that they have some place there, another gun factory of sorts and John is running everything here. Everyone has a job to do, all except me. I'm to spend time with my wife and family and do nothing. Which comes back to why I said I would look after the boys as they certainly are not relaxing. I did spend some time working in the office here before chaos descended but not a lot to be really productive. I'm used to being out there, my hands in the pies so to speak. Relaxing is hard work.

"Hearing dogs barking and laughter as they approached, my peace was over.

The boys came back with the dogs relatively clean. Apart from Giorgio who looked like he had been mud wrestling with Rocco.

"Had fun" I asked, smiling.

"Never again."

"You wanted a job" I laughed.

"Being face down in the dirt with a dog flopped on top of you, thinking it was a game, wasn't what I had in mind. Mum's going to kill me, this shirt is new."

"I will just tell her you were working for me. She will expect you to be dirty then."

"That's fine, Mum can get angry with you instead"

Hurricane Mia has nothing on my wife when she's pissed at me. It's rare but I know when to hide.

I left the boys sitting with Lucy when my phone rang.

"How's your date Jason."

"Fuck off, next time you can come down and chat her up" he said, making me laugh.

"No thanks, she's all yours. What have you found out."

"Ramirez was a regular visitor to Dalton to see the daughter, not the old woman. She can't remember seeing her with Selma although she did hear them arguing once, just before the daughter left. They say men can be players but the more I think about this woman, the more I think she was playing them off against each other. I mean Garcia and Ramirez were close until Garcia high tailed it to Dalton. He must have known Ramirez had a kid but something must have happened for him to find out she was his. This broke the friendship and the daughter not wanting anything to do with Garcia, left with Ramirez."

"Which still gives us the question, who's running what is left of the business now. Technically it's Ricardo as it was Javier who set it up but if she's vying for power, for her birthright now, they could be fighting between themselves."

"It will keep them busy, hopefully they will kill each other."

"Yes there is that, but she's a loose cannon, we don't know anything about her. She could be ruthless like Garcia or putting on a show to make everyone take her seriously. I have no idea how a woman's mind work."

"She certainly had those guys moving at the docks so either they were afraid of the repercussions of pissing her off or because Ramirez was stood behind her. As for knowing how a woman's mind works, maybe it's a good idea that your Consigliere is a woman then."

"Yes, the best woman for the job."

"Dad will kill you" Lucy shouted at the boys as I turned when I heard the tray of tiramisu hit the floor. Our dessert for this evening which now had four dogs heads in it.

"Jason get my brothers back here asap before they find their kids tied up in the garden. Speak to Lorenzo. Get him to speed up the info he's looking for on Ramirez. His background, where he's from originally, maybe he still has family and they can be persuaded to let us know where he is now. We find him, we find her, maybe even Ricardo as well."

"Will do" he said before hanging up. I know I'm putting a lot of pressure on Lorenzo but I want answers. If he spends too much time looking, he could draw attention to himself but the longer we don't know Ramirez's location, the longer he remains a threat to my family.

Turning back to the carnage that is now my kitchen, I addressed the boys.

"I will leave you all to your aunt. That was for after dinner."

"Sorry" Giorgio said. "We were hungry."

"What time is Dad coming" Daniel asked me.

"Not before Ana gets home, so I would advise you all to get this floor cleaned up" I told them as they quickly got to work.

The dogs weren't happy that their dessert tray was being taken away but tuff. Jac and Daniel ended up in a tug of war with Rocco, until I stepped in.

"Rocco, drop it."

It immediately hit the floor before he lay down beside it. Shit now I have a sulking dog. They're worse than the kids.

"Rocco, come here" I called to him.

Realising he wasn't in any trouble, he bounded over to me and jumped up. His feet reached my shoulders and soon slobber and tiramisu were dripping from my cheek, wonderful.

"Nice look Dad" Lucy said, handing me a towel.

Next time my wife tells me I need a couple of days to relax, I'm going to the range. It will be more peaceful.

…

"Never again" I told Ana when she came home from the bakery "Don't even think about it" I said to CJ who was about to reach for the box of goodies Ana had brought with her.

"I'm sure there is enough for them to have one" Ana told me as the boys reached for the box again when Ana placed it onto the counter.

"That would be fine, if we had some dessert for this evening."

"There is tiramisu in the fridge" she said walking over and opening the door "or there was."

"The dogs ate it" Lucy told her

"I know they're smart but if we have to put a lock on the fridge now, that's ridiculous"

"No, the boys decided they wanted some and dropped it when bringing it out."

"Don't look at me" I told Ana. "Those boys have run me ragged all day. Next time the boys can go with their parents, even if that's into a war zone because that's what my house is like with them here."

"You don't mean that Uncle Christian "Jac teased. "You love us really."

"Of course, I do. In small doses."

….

The wheels touched down on the runway and I don't know who was more excited, my wife or my daughter. Both were equally bouncing and I knew they would be off as soon as those doors were opened.

My sons as usual had phones to their ears, either business or I don't want to know about the pleasure. I will speak to Oriella if she calls, I do most days anyway but I have no interest in who my other two speak to.

Seeing the giant beast come closer, the noise was deafening. It felt like my bones were shaking. As it finally quietened, the steps were moved into place and the doors opened.

Frankie had only reached the first step before Lucy went running, meeting him halfway up with a big hug. Theo had gone up to help Beatrice down as Ana waited at my side until Frankie was on the tarmac and then she was gone too.

I hugged Isabella, taking her bag from her as it was put into the car. I had a team bringing the cases down which with the four, wouldn't have been too bad. But like our family, the Mancini's arrive with an entourage of guards as well.

"Hello son" Beatrice said as I walked into her outstretched arms.

"Hi Grandma" I said, hugging her to me.

Although my grandparents are no longer with us, I'm glad that Ana still had hers. They deserved the time with each other, they had a lot to make up on.

"How's Seattle running" Antonio asked me as he walked over to shake my hand now that Lucy had let him go.

"I wouldn't know, I have been banned from working for a few days. Giving my brain a break."

"I have had many times like that over the years, it's always good to step back once in a while. Sometimes it gives you time to see the bigger picture."

"It would work, if he did actually take a break" Ana said coming to wrap her arms around my waist. "I know you still like to sneak work in."

I looked to my daughter who just smiled. Grass.

Once I had said hello to Frankie, we were soon on our way home.

The house was full and noisy at dinner, just how I preferred it to be. No peace here. My parents had come over to join us and plans for the birthdays were in full force. Theo's car was arriving in Seattle in the morning courtesy of Mac and Matteo and I had plans for him to be out of the way so we could bring it here unseen. He had asked for a new phone for his birthday but he will be getting much more. I had asked for some peace, some alone time with my wife which is hard to come by in this house. What I will receive, only time will tell.

…

Ana lay on my chest, her ragged breaths matching mine. Waking up to my wife rubbing herself over my cock has definitely been the perfect start to my birthday. The pleasure we brought each other after, had been the perfect gift as well.

"Happy birthday Christian" she whispered, lifting her head up to kiss me.

"Can it be my birthday every day, if I get a wakeup call like that."

"I will see what I can do" she smiled, as she moved off of me to lay at my side.

"How much time do I get to keep you naked like this."

"However long you want."

"You mean until Lucy starts banging down the door."

"There is that but hopefully she will go to Theo's door first. For now, relax" Ana said, brushing the hair from my forehead as I did indeed relax into her touch.

Yesterday was a really relaxing day for me. I went to work while my wife got the house in order for today. Ana and I did collect Theo's car together but then I didn't see her until dinner. We were having a family day here before moving onto Palermo for dinner and then I would be leaving my wife for a few hours. I had a few of my friends coming around, while Theo had Charlie and Gregg as well but mostly it was family. I would see everyone else at the club this evening or others like Luke who was on his way back from Portland and Reynolds who has been away on business also, they will be joining us at the restaurant this evening. I did suggest inviting Ava over but seeing my normally strong son get shy, had me backtracking.

Ana had told me that they left the bakery together and I know they went out last night. He asked me not to tell Ana yet as he wants to see where it goes before bringing her home. He knows I won't lie to his mother if she asks though, so for his sake, I hope her name doesn't come up.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Lucy shouted down the hallway. Who it was to, I don't know but you can guarantee that Theo whose room is on the other end, would've heard it too.

"Time to get up" I groaned, enjoying my wife's body against mine.

"Not yet, I still have to give you your present."

"Round two, I'm game" I said, making her laugh.

"This evening, you will have a present to unwrap but for now" she leaned over to the drawers by her side of the bed, bringing a box out. "This will have to do."

I opened the box before looking to Ana, "Is this real" I asked her, receiving her nod.

I pushed her back onto the bed smothering her in kisses, hearing giggles from her instead.

"You need to tick it off your list, stop putting it on hold" she told me as I looked at the paperwork in the box.

When it was Elliot's 50th birthday, during a drunken conversation with my brothers, we were discussing the one thing that we wanted to do but never got around to. Elliot's was to drive a race-car, extra practice to escape cops was his reasoning behind it. Ethan's was to skydive which he had us both along to do. I'm sure you could've heard Elliot's scream from the ground. Mine it was to learn to fly. It was one of those silly boyhood dreams that real life gets in the way of. I did take quite a few lessons last year both in a helicopter and light aircraft, almost ready to get my licence but then again, shit happens and things get put back. Not only was there the information to get my licence but also the schematics for an EC135. Trust my wife to get the safest helicopter around.

"Where is it and where are we going to put it" I asked her, excitedly.

"It's at Boeing field and I thought about next door. There is enough land there and no one is using the house at the moment."

Ana could see the excitement on my face, and I was leaning in for another kiss when our daughter's patience was up and the banging on the door started.

"Come on, you're only fifty once" she called out. "There are four dogs out here, ready to say happy birthday too."

I got out of bed, quickly dressing as I watched my wife escape to the bathroom, leaving me with the impatient beings behind the door.

"Birthdays are supposed to be restful" I said, opening the door to my daughter who was soon hugging me.

"Dad as you have told us over the past few days, you don't do rest or relaxing" I can't argue with that. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you baby girl" I said, taking the present from her and waded through fur as I tried to make my way to my bed.

I made a fuss of the dogs, all wanting their own presents, an ear scratch.

"It's from the boys too but they're refusing to get up so I will give it to you."

I opened the box, taking the watch out that had so many dials on it, James bond would be jealous. I turned it over seeing the engraving of Happy 5oth Birthday Dad underneath.

"Thank you sweetheart, I love it" I pulled my little girl into a hug, kissing her forehead before I carefully put it back into the box. I would wear it today but I wanted a shower first.

"Theo was going to get Barney to put a tracker in it, just like my bangle so Mum will know where you are at all times" she laughed.

"Now there's an idea" Ana smiled, coming from the bathroom.

"Your mother knows where I am anyway, it's called talking and communication."

"You know where I am at all times also but I'm still chipped" Lucy said.

"You know why you wear it sweetheart. Does it really bother you that much" Ana asked.

"No, I just get fed up of the comments from some of the other girls that they have to take their jewellery off in gym class and I have permission to keep mine on. I would rather have it on but when I finally go out on a date, I want it taken off."

"Lucy by the time you're old enough to go out on a date, the bangle will have been replaced about twenty times" I said, laughing to escape her arm.

I showered when Ana and Lucy left the room. I would've rather had Ana naked with me but I had no chance of that this morning. Tomorrow morning when it's just the two of us, I'm going to make sure I spend extra time making sure she's dirty before she's clean again.

Making my way down the stairs, Theo was hugging his mother before he turned to me.

"Happy birthday son" I said, hugging my boy.

"You too old man."

"Old man, thanks. I will remember that when you want to fly in my new helicopter."

"You got Dad a helicopter" Luca asked his mother in awe.

"Yes, I did and he needs to make time to finish his course so he can get his licence."

"I will, I promise, then I will take you up. Has Theo had his present yet."

"No, I was waiting for you."

"I thought this was my present" Theo said, holding up his new phone.

"That's off your siblings, come" Ana told him, taking his hand as she led him out to the front of the house and pressed the button for the garage.

As it opened, his car came into view.

"Now that, is a nice car" Antonio said, viewing the red Ferrari in front of us.

"It does drive well" Ana smiled.

"You drove it" Theo asked, shocked.

"Yes, your Dad and I flipped a coin on who would pick it up, I won. I let your Dad drive it up the driveway though."

"Yeah thanks, we might have a long driveway but not long enough to open that baby up. It would've ended up in the sound, if I really put my foot down."

"Thanks for not doing that Dad, do you want to go for a drive" he asked excitedly.

"I think you should take your grandfather. He will be able to tell you if the Italian engineering is up to scratch" I said pointing to Antonio, who was practically stroking the car in front of us.

He will need lifting out of the car when they get back because that baby is low.

"Make sure you come back and take us, we want a go" Luca told him as Theo started the engine and drove out of the garage, making it easier for Antonio to get in.

"We will know when he's coming home in that thing, it sure is noisy" Ana told me as I wrapped my arm around her waist.

"We sure will, he likes it though."

"Yes he does" she said, kissing my lips. "Come on, let me go and make you your birthday breakfast."

I will go for that. I've been good and not eaten anything since dinner last night, just so I can eat this breakfast. A little bit of everything is what Ana calls it and it certainly was. Bacon, sausage, egg, mushroom, tomatoes, toast, double of everything. Ana even made pancakes for the boys which I had a couple of too. Its probably clogged up a few arteries, the amount of fat I have just consumed but it is only once a year. As I put my fork on the empty plate, finishing my last bit of sausage, I was full. At least until lunch anyway.

…

Sat in the garden with a beer in my hand was a good way to celebrate my birthday. The sun was out, the pool open, which had four dogs doing laps at the moment and I was holding a tiny little girl to my chest. Autumn had been fed, courtesy of Uncle Christian and was now snoozing. As soon as Max and Gemma arrived, she was mine. Birthday privileges or that is what I told everyone. Theo didn't want to share, too busy drinking and talking to Charlie and Gregg, although getting quiet when anyone came into ear shot. Ava could be the only topic of discussion that would need them to speak quiet about as all business had been left at the door.

"You look comfy there Christian" Oriella said, coming over to join me with Luca as usual, not far behind.

"We're enjoying the peace" I said, kissing Autumn's little forehead.

"Come on dogs move out of the way" Jac shouted before he jumped into the pool, into the centre of the dogs who refused to get out.

"Jac kick one of those dogs and you will be in trouble" Kate told him.

"Well what peace we can get here" I told her, as Autumn flinched in her sleep, her little eyes starting to open. Gently rubbing her back, she was soon back to sleep again.

"Have you planned your retirement yet" I asked Eamon who just laughed.

"I keep trying. I have cut down dramatically at the surgery but I have been doing a bit of work with an old colleague who still works at the hospital. He was a surgeon when I worked there but now works in the research department. He asked me to come in a few weeks ago to have a look at a project he has been working on to do with genetics. Its interesting work. It's nice to do something new, gets me out from under Claire's feet for a few hours a week. I will probably retire fully when you or your Dad does."

"Not for a hell of a long time then" I said as he clinked his bottle to mine.

"Oriella come here" Lucy shouted from the house.

"Looks like you get as much peace as I do" I told her as she laughed and went to find my daughter.

"How long will you stay at the club for tonight" Ethan asked me, now there were no women in earshot, apart from baby girl.

"Long enough that everyone has seen me and I have spent some time with my son. Then I'm off to find my wife. What about you."

"Not sure, I'm a lightweight when it comes to drinking, compared to you lot. I might stay long enough to take some incrimination photos to blackmail you all with" he laughed.

"Keep that camera away from my direction then, although you would be hard pressed to photograph me doing something that would piss my wife off."

"My wife has given me the night off. I can crawl in when I want, as long as I don't come in with any stripper dust on me" Elliot told us.

"You wouldn't" I said, knowing that Eamon was paying special attention to what he was going to stay.

"Fuck no, I'd rather do what you're doing and spend the night alone with my wife. It will be nice to have a drink with the guys though, without some drama to run off to."

"Drama, do you mean the kids" Eamon asked.

"You bet ya. My kids drive me to drink. I don't remember Alex or your kids into as much shit as Jac and Daniel. Did you hear what happened last week."

"No what."

"They only put sand in the gas tank of one of the teachers who gave them detention and then did the same to the mother of this girl at school who's annoying Lucy. They even got Giorgio involved to create a diversion."

"How the hell did they get into the gas tanks."

"They're Grey's, they're resourceful" he told me.

"Someone bothering, that little girl" Frankie asked me, taking a seat.

"One of the girls in her class, Lucy told me. She doesn't like Lucy, thinks she gets preferential treatment because she is the Senators granddaughter. Complained that she should take her bangle off in gym class because no one else is allowed to wear jewellery."

"She can't take that off" Frankie said, sounding panicked.

"She isn't going too. Lucy knows why she has to wear it and it has nothing to do with fashion or favouritism."

"She should get preferential treatment, she is a Princess" Max said, joining us.

"Speaking of Princesses, do you want this little one back" I said, patting Autumn's little bum when she squeaked.

"No, it's fine. I think she might protest if you try and move her anyway" he laughed as she nuzzled into my t shirt.

"Sorry little one, I don't have the equipment if you're looking for milk. Beside you finished your bottle."

"She has hollow legs I think. It feels like we just get her fed and changed and she's ready again. And what the hell turns her shit green."

"No idea but that stuff is nasty, it's like tar" Elliot laughed.

"Dad your cake is here" Lucy called out. "Are we having it now or at the restaurant."

"Later. What is it" I asked.

"I'm not sure you want to know" she giggled and I could see my wife sat with her sisters on the other side of the pool, who were laughing as well.

"What have you done Mrs Grey."

"Don't know what you're talking about."

I have to see this, I thought getting up from my chair and handing over Autumn to her father, once I had kissed her tiny forehead.

"Mum, my cake is so cool. It's like I don't know which to drive" Theo told her.

"I would like to see you get into that one" Beatrice laughed, pointing to the cake.

"My mouth will get in it instead Grandma."

I looked at Theo's cake and it was a perfect replica of his present. Daring to open my box, I burst out laughing. I had a police officers uniform or the top anyway. I can't believe Ana had done this, especially with the little pad, with the list of my rights written that she had stated that night. The main one underlined of not to listen to my brother. I did notice one missing though but that wouldn't have been appropriate for the kids to see. Seeing the badge name of Grey though made me laugh more. Only time a Grey will be ever listed as a cop.

"Do you like it" I heard behind me before my wife's arms wrapped around my middle.

"It's perfect Princess" I said turning around "especially if I get to see you in that outfit again."

"Not sure about the outfit, they don't make them to last or last when you get hold of them. You shredded it last time and I'm not going back to the fancy dress store again, they are going to think you have a police fetish."

"It's only been."

"Four. You have shredded four costumes"

"I certainly don't have something for cops unless I get to shoot them. I do have an Ana fetish though and everything you wear."

"What about the handcuffs" she whispered as lucy and Oriella passed.

"Bring them, I might use them on you this time."

"Promises, promises Mr Grey. I will see how you are when you get back from the club this evening. I'm not letting you cuff me, if you pass out half way through. Now what is going on with Theo and these quiet little talks with the boys. Are they planning something they don't want me to hear about, whether too dangerous or secret or has this something to do with tonight."

"Neither, can't tell you."

"Can't or won't."

"Princess, if he was in trouble I would tell you instantly and if I was planning something big then you would be the first to know as well."

"Ok" she smiled, starting to walk away before quickly turning back to me. "Ava" she smiled. How the fuck does she do that.

I pulled her hand, leading Ana to my office and shut the door.

"Princess, Princess, Princess. Please tell me your secret, how the hell do you get Ava from what we just discussed."

"You want to know what happens inside the female mind, how we figure things out."

"Yes, I do. I'm with Elliot, I want your brain."

"We observe the world around us, pay attention to the finer detail. That and I came down here to wrap your present after I had tired you out last night and Theo came home. He was talking quietly on the phone to Ava, wanting to wish her goodnight. It was after midnight so she must have wished him Happy Birthday. Did you know that he mumbles, stumbles over his words sometimes when he was talking to her, something you did when we first started going out."

"You really are something Mrs Grey" I laughed.

"I try" she smiled. "He could've invited her to his party, here at least. The club might shock her though."

"He wants to see where it's going before he introduces her to his mother."

"It's a bit late for that Christian, I have known her longer that he has. I could've introduced them myself" she smiled.

"Let them go at their own pace and hopefully he will bring Ava home soon. Being in a relationship in this family is a lot more involved than most."

"I know, I was surrounded by it and I didn't even know."

"You are perfect for this life Ana and I'm glad I get to spend all my birthdays with you."

"Many many more Christian."

I leaned down, kissing her lips as I wrapped my arms around my wife. Her hands moved into my hair, gripping it as I groaned into her mouth. Things were starting to get heated and I wasn't far off laying my wife across my desk when the inevitable happened.

"Dad."

"It's my birthday, can't I kiss my wife for five minutes on my birthday" I groaned, especially when Ana sucked gently on my neck. I think she had reached her limit on interruptions too.

"Tonight, you're all mine Mr Grey."

"The do not disturb sign is going on the door and if someone opens it, I'm going to shoot them."

"You can use my gun" she told me as she righted her dress. "Come on before they barge in."

We made our way back out into the garden, Antonio seeming to be deep in conversation with my twins. Lucy had wanted to let us know that Gail and Jason had arrived.

"Hey old man" Jason greeted me as I kissed Gail's cheek.

"Why does everyone keep calling me old man today."

"Because you are, you're our old man though" Lucy said, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and kissed my cheek.

"Who's is out in the car now" I asked. We had heard the car as we came back through from my office.

"Great Grandma" Lucy laughed as I looked to the place where Beatrice was sitting earlier. "Grandma went before didn't you."

"Yes and I need a drink" Isabella told us as she took a glass of wine off a laughing Frankie.

"Bea didn't want to miss out on the fun" Antonio laughed.

"I can just see it, leisurely drive around the block" Frankie smiled.

"Do you not know my wife at all, her foot will be on the accelerator if he does that."

We were all enjoying a drink when Theo and Beatrice came back. Theo looked white while Beatrice was laughing.

"She's dangerous" he said flopping into a chair."

"Told you" Antonio said, making us all laugh.

….

"Two suits in a week, I could get used to this" Ana said, coming around to my front, to do my tie.

"You look beautiful Princess" I told her, kissing her bare shoulder.

She was in black this evening, a dress that fit her like a glove. Seeing the split that went all the way to her upper thigh, it was going to take a lot to keep my hands off Ana until tonight.

"Wait until you see what I'm wearing underneath" she whispered, nibbling on my ear.

"Princess, I'm an old man now as everyone keeps telling me. My heart won't take words like that" I groaned. I was already getting hard and we hadn't even left our bedroom.

"Better leave the handcuffs behind then if your heart can't take it."

"Don't even think about it Ana. They're packed along with a few other essentials."

"Can't wait" she said, swaying her hips as she headed for the door. It's going to be a long night.

…

"Happy birthday Boss" Luke said, patting my shoulder. "Should I call Lorenzo to read you your rights" he laughed, pointing to my birthday cake.

"No thank you. It should be a crime though, it tastes unbelievable" hence the little bit missing in the corner.

We had decided to have them here but maybe I should've left mine at home where I wouldn't get ribbing from my men. Over my dead body will I be explaining what the cake means. Only family was here now, including my main crew who were like brothers to me. Jason, John, Luke, Ryan, Reynolds, Ian and David. Those who had wives were here with us tonight and all knew what type of family we were.

We were all seated and the food brought out. I have eaten all day but I was still hungry now. I must be like little Autumn who was sleeping in her stroller, hollow legs.

"Can I come dancing with you tonight Dad" Lucy asked me.

"No, not where were going."

"Men" she said, rolling her eyes, making Oriella laugh who was sat in-between Lucy and Luca.

"Can I come" Ana asked, receiving a bigger NO, especially from our sons.

Having Dad around while there were dancers was bad enough as far as my younger boys were concerned. Having their mother in that atmosphere would be a hundred times worse.

"I thought I handled myself very well in the boy's club."

"You did Princess, perfectly."

"You need to have a lady's night at the club, get a male dancer on that stage" Mia said, while Ethan spluttered on his drink.

"Yes. What's good for the goose is good for the gander" Kate laughed, smacking hands with her sisters.

"Book me a seat, front row" Beatrice said, having the girls all laughing as even Claire, Isabella and my mother were nodding. Us men were shocked and shitting ourselves now.

A dancer gyrating himself in front of my wife's face, over my fucking dead body. Ana knows why those girls are there and they're certainly not for my entertainment.

"Now, can I go to that party if I can't go to yours" Lucy asked, smiling.

"NO" we all shouted, leaving my daughter in fits of giggles.

By the time we left the restaurant, I wanted to follow my wife home and then to the hotel rather than go to the club. She had been teasing me throughout the meal and I felt like I was going to combust when she placed my hand on her thigh, feeling the stocking there.

Frankie and my dad had decided to join us, much to the shock of my sons. Eamon declined saying he was too old for that shit and wanted a hot cup of tea and his warm bed.

"Dad was Mum serious about having male dancers here" Theo asked me as we climbed the stairs up to the club above.

"I hope the fuck not. If she was, I will make her forget about it."

"TMI Dad" he said before the noise engulfed us.

All our men were cheering as we entered before we were handed drinks. I took the top off, still wary about being handed a bottle, before I clinked my bottle to Theo's.

"Speech" was called out by Elliot who was now at the bar before the men started on this speech shit also.

"Fucking speech who do you think I am, the Senator" I called out, raising my bottle to my Dad who now had one in hand as laughter rang out around the room.

"Son do you want to give a speech "I asked Theo.

"Um, no."

"Enjoy the beer, enjoy the show and keep your fucking hands to yourself. Now I need a word with my son" I told the laughing crowd as I steered Theo towards my office.

Time to have a serious talk with my boy.

"What have I done" he asked as soon as I shut the door.

"Nothing as far as I'm concerned, but your mother does know about your date with Ava."

"How."

"Maybe when you come home, you should see if someone was up. Your mother was wrapping my present when you came home, she heard Ava's name. She's happy for you son, as am I and we will wait until you're ready to bring her home."

"I like her a lot, a real lot" he said shyly. Ana was right, we do tend to mumble when we talk about our girls. "Is that what you wanted to speak to me about, Ava."

"No, although depending on how serious things get between you, it may involve her eventually. Since you came into the business, you have been working for me, with a crew I set up for you. I think it's time you ran your own crew, chose who you want in your team. You will still be under Jason and I like all the others but the decisions will be yours on how you run it."

"Really" he smiled.

"Yes, you're twenty-one now Theo. If you want to be part of the family business, it's time you moved up. I could've done it sooner but I wanted to make sure you were ready, no pressure from me."

"I'd love to have my own crew, become a real Capo."

"Son you have always been a real Capo, now you will have your own crew to work with."

"Thanks Dad."

"Do you know who you will choose."

"Charlie and Gregg for certain, beyond that, I'm not sure."

"Not your brothers" I smiled.

"No. I don't think I could rest if I sent my younger brothers off to do a job."

"How do you think I feel. Separate everything when we're out there, I was always told. I can't do that when it's my own children."

"What would you do if Lucy asked to join the family business or wanted a gun."

"You would be picking me up off the floor as I would've had a heart attack."

"I will be with you" he laughed. "Oh, can I have Cameron."

"Sure, son he's all yours. He's under surveillance at the moment, if he steps out of line" I told him.

"He won't be found."

We made our way back out into the club, the dancers were already on stage with a large crowd surrounding them.

"You getting a dance for your birthday" Charlie asked us.

"Not fucking likely" I told him.

"Christian is a saint" John laughed as we approached the table where my friends all sat.

"What you talking about, although Saint Christian sounds about right."

"I mean you set this place up. You're here most of the time when you're not home but you never look at that stage."

"Unless my wife is up there, then I'm not interested. Its like being offered the worlds most expensive steak and the shittiest burger. My steak should be home now, getting ready for our evening together. There is no other one that can even come close to her."

"I will ignore the fact that you have just called our mother a piece of meat" Luca told me.

"Ok the rarest diamond and a piece of rock, they don't compare."

"You do like a burger though dad" Matteo laughed. I knew they were winding me up but I wanted to shake the lot of them.

"Oh, for fucks sake. I'm not interested in anyone except your mother. She was it for me when she stitched my head up in the hospital and she will be, until I take my last breath. She's all I want. I hope you find someone like that one day" I told my boys.

"I already have mine" Luca smiled. I agree.

"What about you Theo, you getting a dance" Charlie asked him.

"No thanks, I don't think my girl would like it" he smiled, knocking his drink to mine as we ignored the shocked faces around us.

My little boy is all grown up.

"So what did you get for your birthdays" Ryan asked us.

"I got a red hot Ferrari. Its beautiful, I'm just never taking my grandmother for a ride again, she's lethal."

"She is a Mancini, they like to live dangerously over there" Frankie told him.

"And we don't" Matteo said.

"What did you get for your birthday" Reynolds asked me.

I smiled thinking of the wake up call I got this morning.

"Dad the gift we can know about" Luca said, disgusted at the smirk on my face.

"I got a helicopter and orders from my wife to get my licence."

"Really" Luke asked.

I know many an instance over the years when being able to fly out of the area quickly would be an advantage. Hopefully this time I can get my licence if nothing gets in the way.

…

I had a stack of envelopes full of cash by the time I left the club, just shy of midnight. All gifts from the men under my command. I hope Ana is still awake as I thought I would have been with her by now and I just hope she could understand my text as there seemed to be double letters on my phone, maybe I need a new one just like Theo.

I had been enjoying a drink with my boys, ignoring the shouts and hollers off the quickly drunken men to the dancers on the stage. They know the consequences of touching one of the women. Even getting a dance, they were not allowed to touch.

Charlie was the first one who took up the offer of a dance and I thought the way Matteo was looking up at the stage, he would've too. Instead he and some of his friends decided to see what was going on in the club below. Being told to wrap it up by his Granddad should've shocked him but he gets told that enough by me. He's the one who will take the longest the settle down. He's young, enjoying himself, something my brothers and I would've done when we were younger. As long as it's consensual and he doesn't bring anyone who he isn't ready to put a ring on home, then it has nothing to do with me.

I knocked on the door, hearing it quietly opened before my eyes were covered.

"Princess, I'm struggling to stay upright with my eyes open, taking my sight away will just make me fall."

"I won't let you hurt yourself" she whispered, shutting and locking the door behind me before she led me over to what I knew was the bed.

"Are you ready for some fun Christian or a nap" she chuckled as my body swayed.

My mind is saying nap but my body although pissed, wants fun. I pulled the blindfold off, letting my eyes adjust to the dimmed light. Stood in front of me was my beautiful wife. Black, see thought bra and panties and stockings, I love stockings. Pulling her hand from behind her back, she had the handcuffs on one finger before she walked over to me and dropped them into my hands.

Ana was stood in front of me now, I could smell her arousal as I looked from her stockened feet to the beautiful smile on her face.

"It's after midnight but I will still say it. Happy birthday Christian."

As I pulled her down on the bed, handcuffs soon on her wrists, it was a very happy birthday indeed.

Thank you for reading.

The next chapter will not be until next week as I have my eldest and youngest sons birthdays Sunday and Monday so I have two birthday cakes to make and lots of madness to prepare for.

I hope to get the next chapter of Bad Girls up over the weekend, if I can find the time to finish it.

Until next time, take care

Caroline